1,933 children killed in 6-months of abuse across Bangladesh: Report

Child abuse in Bangladesh has reached an alarming level, with 1,933 children killed in just six months due to various forms of violence and abuse, according to a recent report.

An analysis of reports published between January and June 2025 in five national newspapers — The Daily Ittefaq, Prothom Alo, Naya Diganta, The Daily Star, and The Business Standard — reveals a grim picture. In addition to the deaths, 2,744 children were reportedly raped, while 2,159 faced other forms of physical or emotional abuse. The majority of the victims were girls.

The findings were disclosed at a press conference jointly organized by the Bangladesh Child Rights Forum and the Bangladesh Child Welfare Council, held Thursday morning at the Bangladesh Child Welfare Council’s conference room. Dr. Hamidul Haque, Chairperson of the Child Rights Forum, presided over the event.

“Child abuse is taking place both within families and in broader society,” said Dr. Haque. “Community and school-based awareness programs have become essential, particularly in district towns. Moreover, the strict enforcement of the Women and Children Repression Prevention Act and the Children Act must be ensured.”

The speakers highlighted the backlog of approximately 151,000 pending cases related to child abuse, which continues to cause immense suffering for affected families.

Also speaking at the event were Khairuzzaman Kamal, Vice Chairperson of the Forum and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Human Rights Journalists Forum; Md. Monirul Alam, General Secretary of the Child Welfare Council; Naser Iqbal Jadu, Joint Secretary; Dr. Afroza Parvin, Executive Member; and Khandaker Riaz Hossain, Director of the Council.

All speakers called on the government to take effective and immediate action to end violence against children. They also urged for the full implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a more child-friendly society.